British Secret Projects : Jet Fighters Since 1950

Rating:
Summary: Secret Projects Fighters
Review: An excellent in depth review of the British Aviation industry from 1950 to 1990. All credit to Tony Butler for collecting the information from a wide range of sources to put this together. Beyond the pure detail of designs, Tony has put in the political influences that that guided both the RAF and the industry in this rapidly changing period.
If you are interested in the Britsh aircraft industry for any reason, you need this book.

Rating:
Summary: British Secret projects
Review: In this area of aviation, it is common place to find literature on American X-planes and German post war projects. However it seems as though the rest of the worlds experimental and prototype aeroplanes have been simply overlooked! Thinking I knew the majority of British prototypes, I purchased this book as a 'coffee table' reference only to be pleasantly surprised at the amount of content that was unknown to myself! I believe Tony Butler has produced a real gem in this genre. The book in written in a no-nonsense simple format, dividing the aircraft both chronologically and in sections by type and manufacture. Obscure and rare 3-view drawings make up the majority of the book's graphics, with a large amount of photos and artist impressions thrown in between the script. Compliments must also be extended to the publishers for producing the book in a glossy format (similar to their other published books: Luftwaffe Secret Projects, Fighters and Bombers). My only negative comment would be that more colour artist impressions should have been included. This would have been a great source as a modelling reference and also to enhance the books appeal to those who would not be that inclined to read a book on this subject. All in all, this book is definitely recommended to all those interested in this area of aviation, and I only hope someone will now produce a similar book on Japanese and European Secret Projects!